Eating disorders in kids are more common than parents realize, but many still question how to spot early warning signs, talk about healthy habits and body image, and support with compassion. Host Elise Hu sits with professional squash champion Amanda Sobhy and National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) CEO Jessica Scheer to unpack the realities of eating disorders and disordered eating in children and teens.

Amanda shares her personal journey navigating bulimia as a high-performing college athlete, and how early messages about body image and food shaped her relationship with both. Amanda emphasizes the challenge of accepting help, the importance of accepting it, and how parents can help build a community around their child that supports balance, empathy, and open communication. Later, Jessica Scheer offers expert, practical guidance for parents: how to spot subtle red flags, when to seek professional support, and how to start conversations without shame or fear. She also shares how parents can model a healthier relationship with food and body image — starting with their own beliefs and behaviors.

Key Takeaways:

Surround yourself with a community that encourages balance, moderation, and empathy.

Hold space for your child to come to you with questions, conversation, or help.

Approach conversations about disordered eating with love, care, and compassion.

Model a healthy relationship with food for your children by working through your own biases.

Take note of key behaviors or effects that might indicate someone is struggling with an eating disorder.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/38ab486df8738219/9262fd8440adfe72

Learn more from Amanda Sobhy: https://www.instagram.com/asobhy93

Learn more from Jessica Scheer and the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.

Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.

Follow on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.

Topics Covered on Raising Us:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings